Trump Nominates Jay Clayton as DNI, Then Delays Confirmation
President Trump nominated former SEC Chair Jay Clayton as Director of National Intelligence after acting DNI Bill Pulte faced bipartisan opposition. Clayton, a Wall Street lawyer with no intelligence background, was praised by Trump but later had his confirmation paused until Congress passes a voter ID bill and renews FISA surveillance powers. The delay ties a key intelligence post to legislative battles, creating uncertainty for the U.S. intelligence community.
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Graham Urges Trump to Advance Jay Clayton's DNI Nomination
Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) stated on Sunday that he has urged President Donald Trump to proceed with the nomination of Jay Clayton, the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, to lead the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI). This comes after Clayton had indicated he would delay his nomination. Graham made the remarks during an interview on CBS News's 'Face the Nation' program hosted by Margaret Brennan. The push from a key Republican senator signals continued interest within the administration and its allies in filling the top intelligence post. The article highlights the behind-the-scenes maneuvering and political dynamics surrounding a critical national security appointment.
Just In NewsTrump Blocks FISA Section 702 Reauthorization, Links It to Voter ID Bill Amid Heightened Terror Threat
Despite Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin warning that the terrorist threat level is the 'highest it's ever been,' President Donald Trump has allowed the Section 702 FISA surveillance program to expire by blocking a temporary extension. Trump demanded the Save America Act—a voter suppression bill requiring documentary proof of citizenship for registration—be attached to any reauthorization. The program remains technically operational under a previous court certification until March 2027, but analysts fear legal challenges from telecom companies could disrupt intelligence collection. Trump also delayed the nomination of Jay Clayton as permanent Director of National Intelligence, allowing the controversial Bill Pulte to remain as acting director. The move has drawn bipartisan criticism, with 199 Democrats and 19 Republicans voting against the short-term extension in the House.
Washington MonthlySenate Hits Spy Powers Snafu as Trump Halts DNI Nominee Hearing
President Donald Trump disrupted Senate proceedings on June 18, 2026, by ordering Jay Clayton, his nominee for Director of National Intelligence, to skip a scheduled confirmation hearing. This move stalled the reauthorization of the lapsed Section 702 FISA surveillance authority, which Senate Majority Leader John Thune had hoped to advance alongside Clayton's confirmation. Trump demanded that lawmakers attach a voter ID bill to the FISA renewal, further complicating negotiations. Meanwhile, the Senate made progress on a bipartisan housing bill aimed at addressing affordability concerns, clearing the way for a final vote after the Juneteenth break. Senators also expressed frustration over confusion surrounding a $300 billion reconstruction plan for Iran and called for a congressional briefing. The House was on recess this week after failing to extend the spy powers authority, which lapsed on June 12.
Roll CallSenate Hits Spy Powers Snafu Amid Trump's Reversal on DNI Nominee
On June 18, 2026, President Donald Trump upended Senate efforts to reauthorize lapsed surveillance authority under FISA Section 702 by ordering his DNI nominee, Jay Clayton, to skip his scheduled confirmation hearing. The White House also demanded a voter ID bill be attached to the FISA reauthorization, which has no viable path in the Senate. Senate Intelligence Committee ranking member Mark Warner and other Democrats held a press conference criticizing the development. Majority Leader John Thune expressed confusion, saying the White House had asked him to slow the nomination but then reversed course. Separately, Trump's announcement of a memorandum of understanding with Iran, including a $300 billion reconstruction plan, triggered demands for a congressional briefing. Amid the intelligence turmoil, a bipartisan housing bill advanced, with leaders aiming for a final vote after the Juneteenth recess. The House was on recess after having voted down a short-term FISA extension the prior week.
Roll CallTrump Withdraws Intel Nominee, Demands Voting Law Concessions
President Donald Trump scuttled Senate Republican plans to confirm Jay Clayton as director of national intelligence by canceling his confirmation hearing hours before it was scheduled. Announcing from the G7 summit in France, Trump demanded that the Senate first confirm his former lawyer James McDonald as U.S. attorney in Manhattan. He further declared he would not sign a reauthorization of the lapsed Section 702 FISA spying tool unless the Senate passes voter-eligibility legislation that currently lacks sufficient support. This move makes it likely that housing official Bill Pulte will become acting DNI on Friday, a prospect opposed by Democrats and even some Republicans. Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) called Pulte an unqualified sycophant, accusing Trump of undermining national security. The Washington Post editorial suggested Trump may be happy to give Pulte access to spying tools for 210 days, while Senate Republicans weigh how much humiliation to accept.
TheWeek feedTrump Blocks Intelligence Nominee Hearing, Links Confirmation to Voting Law Demands
President Donald Trump unexpectedly canceled the Senate confirmation hearing for his director of national intelligence nominee, Jay Clayton, just hours before it was set to begin. Speaking from the G7 summit in France via social media, Trump demanded that the Senate first confirm his former lawyer James McDonald as U.S. attorney in Manhattan. He further escalated tensions by refusing to sign a reauthorization of the lapsed FISA Section 702 surveillance tool unless the Senate passes voter-eligibility legislation that currently lacks sufficient support. This move effectively allows housing official Bill Pulte, whom Trump has temporarily selected for the intelligence role, to potentially take over on Friday. Pulte has been widely criticized as unqualified, with Republican Sen. Thom Tillis calling him a 'sycophant.' Democrats oppose Pulte’s appointment and have balked at reauthorizing Section 702 under his oversight. The Washington Post editorial board noted that Trump appears content to let the partisan Pulte access powerful spying tools for up to 210 days, while Senate Republicans face a test of how much humiliation they will tolerate.
TheWeek feedTrump withdraws intelligence nominee, demands voting law and FISA conditions
President Donald Trump abruptly canceled the confirmation hearing for his nominee for director of national intelligence, Jay Clayton, hours before it was scheduled to begin. Posting from the G7 summit in France, Trump said he would not proceed until the Senate confirms his former lawyer James McDonald as U.S. attorney in Manhattan. He also declared he would not sign a reauthorization of the lapsed FISA Section 702 spying tool unless the Senate passes voter-eligibility legislation that currently lacks sufficient votes. The move makes it more likely that housing official Bill Pulte, described as an unqualified sycophant by Senator Thom Tillis, will become acting DNI on Friday. Democrats oppose reauthorizing Section 702 if Pulte takes over. The Washington Post editorial board noted Trump appears happy for the highly partisan Pulte to access powerful spying tools for 210 days, as Senate Republicans decide how much humiliation to tolerate.
TheWeek feedGOP Senator Cassidy Warns Trump Blocking DNI Nominee Puts American Lives at Risk
Republican Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana urged President Donald Trump on Thursday to allow Jay Clayton, the nominee for Director of National Intelligence (DNI), to appear before the Senate Intelligence Committee for his confirmation hearing. Cassidy warned that preventing Clayton from proceeding with the hearing 'puts American lives at risk.' The controversy erupted after Trump announced on Truth Social that he was 'cancelling' Clayton's scheduled appearance, throwing the Senate into turmoil. The article highlights internal Republican dissent over Trump's handling of the nomination process for a key intelligence post.
Just In NewsTrump Delays Jay Clayton Intelligence Nomination, Ties Spying Law Renewal to Voter-ID Demand
President Trump announced he is postponing the nomination of Jay Clayton to be Director of National Intelligence, a move that complicates congressional efforts to reauthorize the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). Additionally, Trump stated he would not sign legislation to renew the critical spying law unless Congress also passes a voter-ID bill. This linkage creates a political standoff, intertwining national security surveillance powers with election integrity legislation.
WSJ.com: PoliticsSenate Intelligence Hearing for DNI Nominee Clayton Canceled Amid Trump Push for Voter ID Bill
The Senate Intelligence Committee postponed the confirmation hearing for Jay Clayton, President Trump's nominee for Director of National Intelligence, after Trump directed Clayton not to appear. The president demanded that the Senate first confirm a new U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York and also linked the renewal of Section 702 surveillance authority to passage of a controversial voter identification bill lacking sufficient congressional support. The delay ensures that acting DNI Bill Pulte will assume the role on Friday. Pulte's appointment had previously derailed a FISA vote, and Democrats warn he may misuse intelligence tools for political purposes. The postponement further complicates efforts to renew the surveillance authority, which recently lapsed. Tulsi Gabbard, the outgoing DNI, is set to depart citing her husband's health. The White House's intervention drew criticism from both parties, with Sen. Mark Warner blaming the administration's chaos for the impasse.
Government Executive - All ContentSenate Intelligence Hearing Canceled as Trump Links Spy Chief Confirmation to Voter ID Bill
The Senate Intelligence Committee postponed the nomination hearing for Jay Clayton to serve as Director of National Intelligence after President Trump directed him not to appear. The hearing was canceled until the Senate confirms a new U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York. The delay guarantees that Bill Pulte will begin as acting DNI on Friday. Pulte's appointment had previously derailed a FISA vote, and Democrats warn his role in mortgage fraud reviews could foreshadow abuse of intelligence tools. Trump is also pushing for a controversial voter identification bill to pass alongside Section 702 surveillance authority renewal, which lacks sufficient congressional support. Sen. Mark Warner blamed White House chaos for the impasse. Tulsi Gabbard, the outgoing DNI, announced her departure weeks ago due to her husband's cancer diagnosis.
Government Executive - All ContentSenate Intelligence Hearing for DNI Nominee Cancelled as Trump Pushes Voter ID Bill
The Senate Intelligence Committee postponed the confirmation hearing for Jay Clayton, President Trump's nominee for Director of National Intelligence, after Trump ordered Clayton not to attend. Trump is using the delay as leverage to pressure senators to pass his controversial voter-restriction SAVE AMERICA Act. The postponement allows Bill Pulte, an inexperienced loyalist, to become acting DNI on Friday. Democrats warn Pulte may misuse intelligence powers for political targeting, especially given the recent lapse of the Section 702 surveillance authority. The hearing cancellation highlights tensions between the White House and Congress over national security and election integrity. Sen. Mark Warner criticized the president's social-media-driven intervention as a source of chaos. Current DNI Tulsi Gabbard is leaving due to her husband's cancer diagnosis.
Defense One - All ContentSenate Intelligence Hearing Canceled as Trump Ties Spy Chief Confirmation to Voter Restriction Bill
The Senate Intelligence Committee postponed a confirmation hearing for Jay Clayton to be director of national intelligence after President Trump directed him not to appear. Trump is leveraging the appointment to pressure Republicans to pass his voter-restriction SAVE AMERICA Act. The delay sets up Bill Pulte, an inexperienced loyalist, to become acting DNI on Friday. Democrats warn Pulte may misuse intelligence tools for political purposes. The postponement also complicates efforts to renew Section 702 surveillance authority, which lapsed earlier this month. Outgoing DNI Tulsi Gabbard is departing due to her husband's cancer diagnosis.
Defense One - All ContentIntelligence Director Hearing Canceled as Trump Ties Nomination to Voter-Restriction Bill
The Senate Intelligence Committee postponed the confirmation hearing for Jay Clayton to be Director of National Intelligence after President Trump directed him not to appear. Trump is using the delay to pressure senators to pass his voter-restricting SAVE AMERICA Act. The postponement sets up Bill Pulte, an inexperienced loyalist, to become acting DNI on Friday. Democrats warn Pulte could misuse intelligence tools for political purposes, especially after a historic lapse of Section 702 surveillance authority. Republicans had hoped to fast-track Clayton, who has bipartisan support. The move highlights ongoing chaos in the White House over national security and election integrity issues, as current DNI Tulsi Gabbard prepares to depart due to her husband's cancer diagnosis.
Defense One - All ContentTrump blocks DNI nominee hearing, deepening Senate-White House rift over surveillance authority
President Donald Trump directed his nominee for Director of National Intelligence, Walter 'Jay' Clayton III, not to appear for his scheduled Senate confirmation hearing on June 17, 2026, leaving the hearing room empty and derailing Senate Majority Leader John Thune's plan to revive the lapsed Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. The move stunned both Democrats and Republicans, with Sen. Ron Wyden calling it unprecedented. Trump demanded that Clayton's nomination be delayed until Jamie McDonald is approved as U.S. Attorney and insisted on attaching a voter ID bill (SAVE America Act) to any FISA reauthorization. Sen. Thom Tillis warned this could prevent 702 reauthorization, while Sen. John Cornyn noted the lapse blinds the intelligence community, which relies on 702 for 60% of the president's daily brief. The standoff comes as the U.S. prepares for major events including the 250th birthday celebrations and the World Cup.
Roll CallEmpty Committee Room Defines Senate-White House Relations
The scheduled confirmation hearing for Walter 'Jay' Clayton III, President Trump's nominee for Director of National Intelligence, was abruptly canceled after Trump directed Clayton not to appear. The hearing was intended to be a key step in reviving the lapsed Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). Trump's last-minute demands—tying Clayton's confirmation to the approval of Jamie McDonald as U.S. Attorney and insisting on a separate voter ID bill (SAVE America Act) for FISA reauthorization—stunned both Democrats and Republicans. Senators expressed frustration, warning that the lapse in surveillance authority blinds the intelligence community, especially ahead of major events like America's 250th birthday and the World Cup. The incident highlights deteriorating communication between the White House and Senate, complicating national security efforts.
Roll CallTrump delays DNI nominee Clayton to pressure Congress on voter ID bill
U.S. President Donald Trump announced on June 17, 2026, that he is delaying the nomination of Jay Clayton to lead the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) in an effort to force Congress to pass a voter ID bill. The move comes after Democrats refused to renew expired Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) programs unless Trump withdrew his previous pick, Bill Pulte, as acting DNI. Pulte, a housing official with no intelligence experience, faced bipartisan opposition. Trump had nominated Clayton as a compromise, but then tied the surveillance program's renewal to the voter ID bill, which lacks sufficient support in the Republican-controlled Congress. The delay creates uncertainty for the 18-agency intelligence community and dashes hopes for swift FISA renewal.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Capitol Lens: Cold Mic - DNI Nominee Hearing Postponed
On June 17, 2026, the Senate Intelligence Committee's confirmation hearing for Director of National Intelligence nominee Jay Clayton was abruptly postponed. Chairman Tom Cotton made the decision after President Donald Trump delayed the nomination. A photograph by Bill Clark shows an empty witness table in the Dirksen Senate Office Building, symbolizing the stalled process. The article, published by Roll Call, highlights the political dynamics surrounding the nomination and the impact of presidential action on Senate proceedings.
Roll CallTrump Cancels Intel Nominee Hearing Over Voter ID Conspiracy Theory
President Donald Trump cancelled the Senate confirmation hearing for Jay Clayton, his nominee to lead the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, via a Truth Social post hours before it was scheduled. Trump linked the FISA Section 702 renewal to his Save America Act, which is based on a baseless conspiracy theory that noncitizens are voting in U.S. elections. The move scrambled Congressional negotiations and stalled FISA renewal talks. The Save America Act, which includes provisions on voter ID, mail-in voting bans, and transgender sports restrictions, had previously caused prolonged gridlock over Homeland Security funding. Despite an initial statement from Intelligence Committee Chair Tom Cotton that the hearing would proceed, it was postponed. The article notes the confusion over Clayton's status, with Vice Chairman Mark Warner remarking that not even Clayton may know whether his nomination is postponed or withdrawn.
The New RepublicTrump Derails Own Nominee's Hearing Over Voter ID Conspiracy Theory
President Donald Trump canceled the Senate confirmation hearing for Jay Clayton, his nominee to lead the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, via a Truth Social post hours before it was scheduled. Trump linked the renewal of FISA Section 702 surveillance powers to his stalled Save America Act, which is based on the unsubstantiated conspiracy theory that noncitizens are voting in U.S. elections. The move scrambled negotiations in Congress, where Democrats had already stalled FISA talks over the acting DNI appointment. The Save America Act, which includes provisions to abolish mail-in voting, require voter ID, and mandate frequent voter roll purges, had previously caused months of gridlock over Homeland Security funding. Senator Tom Cotton initially resisted Trump's interference but later postponed the hearing, calling it 'regrettable.' Committee Vice Chairman Mark Warner expressed confusion over Clayton's status.
The New Republic